Leland+ for PhD Programs

Ask Me Anything | Applying to STEM Grad Programs [9/16/2026] (Recording)

Applying to a STEM graduate program this cycle? Planning to apply to STEM graduate programs in the future? Want to learn what makes a strong application? Join me for an AMA and get actionable insights, regardless of where you are in your graduate school journey. Bring your questions about finding the right programs, strengthening your application, writing compelling statements, navigating admissions, preparing for interviews, or anything else on your mind. All questions are welcome!

The PhD Statement of Purpose: Research Fit, Faculty Fit & What Actually Belongs [9/28/2026] (Recording)

What We’ll Cover What admissions committees actually look for in a PhD SOP How to articulate your research interests clearly How to demonstrate meaningful faculty and program fit How specific you should be about future research Common SOP mistakes that weaken strong candidates How to balance your background, research experience, and future goals How to tailor your SOP for each program without rewriting it from scratch

PhD Applications: How to Identify Faculty Fit and Reach Out Strategically [9/24/2026] (Recording)

We'll cover: How to identify genuine research fit beyond simply matching keywords How many potential advisors you should identify at each program How to find out whether a professor is actually taking students When you should—and shouldn't—contact faculty before applying How to write a faculty outreach email that is specific without sounding transactional How to interpret responses like “I encourage you to apply,” “admissions are handled by the committee,” or no response at all How funding and faculty availability can affect your school list How to discuss faculty fit effectively in your Statement of Purpose What to do when your ideal professor isn't accepting students

Statement of Purpose Dos and Don'ts for STEM Masters & PhDs [8/6/2026] (Recording)

After this session, you will know how to position your research background and technical experience as a narrative rather than a list of credentials. We'll cover the structural mistakes that consistently weaken STEM statements of purpose, how to frame your "why this program" section with specificity that admissions committees actually respond to, and what distinguishes a compelling research fit statement from a generic one. Attending live means you can bring your specific situation, whether you're writing for a thesis-based PhD or a professional master's, and get a direct answer rather than general advice. This coach works with STEM applicants daily and will share the patterns that separate the statements that move applications forward from the ones that don't.